Superintendent Ed Tierney and Deputy Superintendent Amber Acevedo were proud to honor Mrs. Paula Mercer, AP Government and Economics teacher at Key West High School, as the 2025 Monroe County School District Teacher of the Year. She has earned this distinction for her exceptional dedication to students, her ability to inspire high levels of academic achievement, and her unwavering commitment to empowering every learner.
Mrs. Mercer is known for her dynamic instruction, deep content knowledge, and the strong relationships she builds with her students. Her classroom is a place of rigorous learning and meaningful engagement, and the selection committee praised her instructional video for its clear evidence of high quality teaching and impressive student focus in a challenging academic setting.
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Mercer is a respected school leader. She founded and coaches the school’s award winning Mock Trial Team and serves on the Building Level Planning Team and as Senior Class Sponsor—roles through which she has strengthened school culture, elevated student involvement, and fostered a deep sense of Conch Pride.
Her commitment to service extends into the community, especially through her work with Special Olympics, where she supports athletes and promotes inclusion across Monroe County.